A strong turnout at Wake Technical Community College’s RTP Campus underscored the growing demand for cybersecurity talent across North Carolina, as more than 120 students, alumni, employers, and community partners gathered for a North Carolina Technology Association (NC TECH) cybersecurity seminar.
The event opened with a highly informative briefing from a Special Agent with the FBI’s Raleigh Field Office, who provided a high-level overview of today’s most active threat actors, emerging cyber risks, and the increasing sophistication of attacks facing organizations of all sizes. The session emphasized that cybersecurity is no longer a concern limited to large enterprises, and that preparation, awareness, and layered defense matter at every level.
From Students to CISOs: Building the Next Generation Pipeline
A dynamic panel discussion titled “From Students to CISOs: Developing North Carolina’s Next-Generation AI Security Talent Pipeline” brought together leaders from education and industry to explore how the state can prepare talent not only for today’s cyber challenges, but for what comes next.
Panelists included Bernice Russell-Bond, Chuck Kesler, Shankar Babu Chebrolu, and Sandellyo Kauba, Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity at Wake Tech and lead faculty and curriculum developer for the Sentinel program. The Panel shared perspectives spanning student readiness, enterprise security leadership, and the rapid evolution of AI-driven security environments.
A consistent theme throughout the discussion was the growing importance of soft skills alongside technical capability. Panelists emphasized that successful interns and new hires must understand the full scope of an organization, communicate risk and solutions in business-relevant language, and avoid relying solely on technical jargon. Preparing talent to think strategically, collaborate effectively, and anticipate future threats was highlighted as essential to long-term cybersecurity resilience.
The event also showcased the critical role community colleges play as engines of workforce development. Wake Tech’s job-ready, career-focused approach to cybersecurity education was highlighted as a model for aligning curriculum with real employer needs.
Job-Ready Cyber Talent, Strengthening North Carolina’s Cyber Future
The event also showcased the critical role community colleges play as engines of workforce development. Wake Tech’s job-ready, career-focused approach to cybersecurity education was highlighted as a model for aligning curriculum with real employer needs.
The packed house at Wake Tech’s RTP Campus reflects a shared understanding across the state: cybersecurity talent demand continues to accelerate, and collaboration is essential. Events like this demonstrate the power of community colleges, employer partnerships, and statewide networks working together to develop job-ready talent.
CCN member institutions continue to lead the way in developing skilled cybersecurity professionals and protecting our future, ensuring North Carolina remains competitive, resilient, and prepared for the challenges ahead.
